6. Because UC touches so many different aspects of our daily work and non-work lives, I would like to see a heavier investment in Microsoft Research to create solutions that provide a ubiquitous and multi-integrated platform of UC solutions that span not only the Information Worker, but also mobile, media, industry, and hosted platforms and cloud-based computing. I know that the ground work for some of these has already started, but instead of always being last to market, I would like to see some accelerated business group investments out of MSR to market and obtain customer adoption at an earlier lifecycle stage to truly test and vet out this technology sooner rather than later.
7. In order to train a new generation of UC consultants, sales representatives, and engineers/developers, Microsoft and education/training partners should team together with the likes of Network World and IT World to provide packaged bootcamps, self-paced online learning curriculum, and workshops to aid in the recovery of displaced IT and non-IT workers due to the economic downfall. IT is always going to be a stable industry and our industry would be better served by helping pave the way and assisting those in need who are hungry to learn. Microsoft has an excellent training engine and surrounding partner ecosystem to aid in this journey so I would like to see this happen in 2010.
In summary, there is a lot to take in based on the results of 2009. Those of us who have been involved since the earlier years of 2002 and beyond can see the dramatic changes that have occurred already, but it's going to take a massive push to meet the vision and objectives for 2010 and beyond. I am excited about the upcoming year and am looking forward to witnessing the future of what is to become the next generation of communications technology.
It's time to execute!